Leading Forward

About Leading Forward

Nick Edwards & Jeremy Prather discuss life, leadership, and business through the lens of faith.

Publisher

Nick Edwards & Jeremy Prather

Category

business · education · religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

21 Sept 2025

Latest episode

6 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

40 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Oct 2026

   40. Debunking Common Christian Cliches

   Summary In this episode of Leading Forward, hosts Nick and Jeremy break down 10 common "Christian clichés"—widely accepted phrases that many people mistakenly believe are in the Bible. They discuss how these cultural sayings can lead to toxic theology, poor decision-making, and a loss of credibility for Christian leaders. Ultimately, they challenge listeners to stop relying on subjective feelings and pop-culture wisdom, and instead, root their faith, accountability, and leadership directly in Scripture. Show Notes Episode Overview: Nick and Jeremy tackle the danger of well-intentioned but unbiblical advice. They explain how minor theological distortions can set leaders and their families on completely wrong trajectories. Key Topics & Timestamps: [00:00 (https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D_v7IJkwtJzk%26t%3D0)] Introduction: The danger of Christian clichés and why it’s critical to know what is actually factual and biblical. [02:15 (https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D_v7IJkwtJzk%26t%3D135)] Lie 1: "God just wants me to be happy." Why God is more concerned with your holiness than your momentary happiness, and how this lie is dangerously used to justify sin, rebellion, and divorce. [06:23 (https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D_v7IJkwtJzk%26t%3D383)] Lie 2: "Cleanliness is next to godliness." A look at how this phrase was likely invented by southern grandmas, though the Bible does speak to spiritual consecration. [07:52 (https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D_v7IJkwtJzk%26t%3D472)] Lie 3: "When God closes a door, he opens a window." Why a closed door usually just means "no." God doesn't expect you to navigate an obstacle course; sometimes you are just required to wait and endure a season of preparation. [10:53 (https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D_v7IJkwtJzk%26t%3D653)] Lie 4: "Spare the rod, spoil the child." Discussing the balance between biblical discipline and the modern extremes of zero accountability versus abusive behavior. [13:24 (https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D_v7IJkwtJzk%26t%3D804)] Lie 5: "God helps those who help themselves." Unpacking this quote from Benjamin Franklin and explaining why the Christian faith requires total dependence on God, coupled with diligent stewardship. [14:51 (https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D_v7IJkwtJzk%26t%3D891)] Lie 6: "Heaven gained another angel." Addressing the theological error that humans become angels when they die. [19:01 (https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D_v7IJkwtJzk%26t%3D1141)] Lie 7: "Money is the root of all evil." Clarifying the actual scripture: the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Money itself is simply a tool that reflects the posture of your heart. [24:50 (https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D_v7IJkwtJzk%26t%3D1490)] Lie 8: "Follow your heart." Why following a fleeting, emotionally driven, and deceitful heart is a terrible idea unless it is first perfectly aligned with the Holy Spirit. [30:06 (https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D_v7IJkwtJzk%26t%3D1806)] Lie 9: "My faith is private." Faith is deeply personal, but it was never meant to be private. Believers are part of a body that requires mutual accountability and public witness. [32:37 (https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D_v7IJkwtJzk%26t%3D1957)] Lie 10: "God won't give you more than you can handle." A misapplication of 1 Corinthians 10:13 (which applies to temptation, not trials). God frequently gives you more than you can handle so that you are forced to rely entirely on Him rather than your own capabilities.

2. 

   29 Sept 2026

   39. Never Give up with Ryan Wileman

   In Episode 39 of Leading Forward, co-hosts Nick and Jeremy sit down with entrepreneur and former professional soccer player Ryan Wileman. Ryan opens up about his journey from pursuing his third-grade dream of becoming a pro athlete to navigating the transition into the corporate world during the 2008 recession. With deep insights into perseverance, Ryan discusses the leap of faith it took to open his own insurance agency, the pivotal role his supportive wife played, and the importance of having a business and life coach to navigate hardships. Grounded in family and faith, Ryan emphasizes the necessity of hard work and shares why his life motto involves the belief that your greatest breakthrough is often waiting on the other side of "never giving up." Show Notes Key Takeaways: Life After the Pinnacle: Achieving your life's dream at 24 can leave you asking, "What next?" Ryan shares his experience of leaving professional sports to reinvent himself in business during a tough economic market. The Power of Spousal Support: Success doesn't happen in a vacuum. Ryan credits his wife's steadfast belief in him as a major catalyst for giving him the courage to start his own agency in 2018. Every Leader Needs a Coach: Just as professional athletes need mental and physical coaches, business owners need a sounding board. You cannot successfully lead a business if you're struggling to lead in your personal life. Selflessness in Leadership: You can get anything you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want. Shifting from a self-focused hustle to a selfless, team-oriented mindset accelerates growth. Work & Prayer: Balancing faith and effort requires you to "pray like it all depends on God and work like it all depends on you."

3. 

   15 Sept 2026

   38. Rod Rodriguez: Finding Brotherhood

   Rod Rodriguez, owner of PSG Security, @psgrodrodriguez, joins the show to discuss find brotherhood, life transformation, and making a lasting impact. In this powerful episode of the Leading Forward podcast, hosts Nick and Jeremy sit down with Rod Rodriguez, a military veteran, former law enforcement officer, and the owner of PSG Security. Rod transparently shares his remarkable life journey, touching on the dark realities and negative coping mechanisms often found in high-stress professions, the profound tragedy of losing two wives, and reaching a point of absolute rock bottom. Ultimately, this is a story of redemption. Rod explains how surrendering his life to faith and surrounding himself with a healthy brotherhood fundamentally shifted his trajectory. Now in his 50s, he views his past not with shame, but as a "pruning process" that has equipped him to mentor young men, lead his family biblically, and pull others out of the darkness he once knew. Show Notes & Highlights Guest Profile: Rod Rodriguez Owner of PSG Security: A private security firm catering to high-profile and high-net-worth clients, prioritizing discretion, efficiency, and problem-solving. President of the Swordsman Foundation: A non-profit dedicated to mentoring young men on biblical marriage, household leadership, and healthy living. Veteran & Former LEO: Served 6 years in the U.S. Army (Tank driver/gunner) and 12 years in law enforcement. Key Takeaways The Danger of the "Criminal Mindset" in Law Enforcement: Rod discusses how high-stress environments without healthy outlets often lead officers down destructive paths, including high divorce rates and substance abuse. Changing Your Environment: Real change didn't occur for Rod until he stopped mirroring negative behaviors and actively sought out a different kind of brotherhood that pushed him toward the light. Tragedy as a Superpower: Taking a cue from superhero origin stories, Rod and the hosts discuss how mastering your deepest pain allows you to utilize it as a superpower to serve others and glorify God. The Cost of Faith: Rod bravely opens up about the current trials he faces—including a strained relationship with his eldest daughter because of his bold faith—proving that stepping into your calling doesn't mean the battles stop; it just means you're fighting for the right side. The Pruning Process: Referencing John 15, the hosts explain that life's trials and tragedies are often God's way of "pruning" us so that we can ultimately bear more fruit in our lives and the lives of others. Resources Mentioned The Standard: A networking/brotherhood group connecting high-level male leaders. Rise of Kings: A brotherhood and mentorship organization that helped Rod re-align his life. PSG Security: Reach out via email at rod@psgsecurity.net or follow on Instagram at @psg_rodrodriguez The Swordsman Foundation: swordsmanfoundation.com

Who has been a guest on Leading Forward

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Ian Barnett
• ASAP Preach
• Chris Collins
• James Tanner
• Daryl Jones

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Contact Leading Forward

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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